In New York 20% of a teacher’s performance evaluation is based on student test scores. In New Mexico it is more than double that 50%. Some educators say student performance on standardized tests is beyond teacher control and should not be such a big factor in teacher evaluations.

The effectiveness of New Mexico’s public education overhaul is in wide and impassioned dispute.

Supporters of the new system like Las Cruces public schools superintendent Stan Rounds say the changes are raising the quality of teaching and student achievement

New Mexico State University assistant professor of biology Karen Mabry will receive nearly a million dollars for her research over the next five years thanks to the National Science Foundation. Mabry, whose research involves the movement and social behavior of mammals, received the NSF's prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award.

Mabry will be recognized at a research rally on Thursday, April 19, at 10:15 a.m. in the Senate Chambers at Corbett Center.